Inland Empire

I interviewed Joe Males, Commander of the American Legion Post 53 in his Hemet offices on one of our city's hot and humid days. While I was sweltering, Joe seemed as calm and cool as a cucumber. I would know why. He is very organized and seems to know the meaning and intent of every word spoken. From my viewpoint, he is a very organized and determined person.

The Soboba Fire Department launched a large-scale Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) project on the reservation last month. Members of the Public Works Department Canyon Crew and the Soboba Fire Department have been working throughout the community to prevent any wildland fire from encroaching onto the reservation. The scope of work entails clearing and trimming grass, brush and trees for at least 100 feet around residences and 20 feet from the fire line that surrounds the reservation.

“This year has been a roller coaster, to say the least. From riots to coronavirus to a heavily weighted social climate, everyone has felt the tension of these difficult circumstances,” said James Fleming, Hemet Rotary Community Service Chair. As 9/11 approached, the Rotary Club of Hemet decided that they should pause from all those things and recognize the brave and dedicated souls of our community, the men and women of the Hemet Police and Fire Department.

The family of Diego Stolz, a middle school student who died after being assaulted by two classmates, has sued the Moreno Valley Unified School District, alleging it failed to take their previous report of bullying seriously and is responsible for his death.

More than 60 people who had been living in encampments along Massachusetts Avenue are in temporary bridge housing or a shelter as part of the first step of a comprehensive effort to clean up the area, eliminate potential health risks and reduce the spread of COVID-19.